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As someone who has vacationed in Robbinsville, North Carolina and hiked several trails in the Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest, I can say without a doubt, the scenery is spectacular. As you make your way down dirt roads to trails off the beaten path, it's as though you're the only person on the planet. The quiet of the forest interrupted only by the sounds of resident birds and wildlife is the ultimate in being up-close to nature.

Terrain

From leisurely back-road hiking trails and scenic landscapes to steep inclines and challenging mountain ranges, the trails in and around Robbinsville have something for every skill level. Hikers in the Nantahala National Forest have access to well-marked trails leading past waterfalls, cascading streams and panoramic views from atop mountain ridges as well as lightly traveled forest service roads, rugged backpacking trails winding past lakes and trails bordered by steep drop-offs.

Types

Trails in the Robbinsville area are numerous and require different skill levels. Each trail has a rating of easy, moderate or strenuous providing many opportunities for beginners, intermediate and experienced hikers. A trail such as the 16-mile Wauchecha Bald Trail near Lake Santeetlah takes hikers over extremely challenging terrain. The trail is rated as very strenuous and appropriate for experienced hikers in good physical condition. Whether a novice or an expert hiker, each trail offers its own adventure for children and adults to explore.

Locations

For a day excursion, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest provides a two-mile scenic figure-eight loop. Snowbird Loop Nature Trail is a short mile and a half loop perfect for children. Both trails are rated as easy. Both the 13-mile Slickrock Creek Trail, ideal for backpacking and camping, and the two-mile Lookout Rock Trail in the Fontana Village area are rated moderate to strenuous. More experienced hikers have the 12-mile Stecoah Gap to Cheoah Bald Trail consisting of steep, uphill grades. This trail is part of the Appalachian Trail.

Considerations

Allow plenty of time to finish a hike or, if camping, to set up camp before nightfall. Always leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member. Cell phone reception may or may not be an option depending on where you are hiking in the Robbinsville area. Cell phone reception in some areas of the Nantahala is good while other areas have no reception. Be aware day and night that dwellers such as black bears, wild boar and cougars make their home in the Nantahala.

Resources

About the Author

Ferguson began freelancing in 1998 and hasn't put the pen down since. Her editorial stints have included working as a reviewer, managing editor and senior managing editor. She writes for several websites and covers a range of topics, including travel guides, gardening, home decor, crafts, pets and wildlife. Ferguson specializes in flower craft articles and has worked in the flower craft business for some time.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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